Here's a link to yelp's list top ten list. And then they list the next 15 too. If I remember correctly, they go by customer reviews to make the ratings.
I have 5 of the top 10 in my area, and have tried them all. I have also been to 10 of the next 15, but some of them have been a good while ago. And I managed several Jack in the Box locations back in the '70s.
If not cooking outdoors, I am cooking on the stovetop with my 14" carbon steel wok, 12" CI skillet, or in the oven with my two Lodge CI pizza pans, or two dutch ovens. I've also got a nifty Lodge carbon steel grill pan that rocks for veggies outdoors.
Actually they all look good. Stayed overnight in a very small town and were searching for a dinner place. The Yelp listed Wendy's as #1. We took our chances on a small Italian restaurant which wasn't even listed. Fantastic dinner, couldn't believe it. We don't even bother with Yelp.
I’ve been to 12 of em. Not sure how they ranked them but I strongly disagree with a few of the rankings. This is pretty typical though of any “Top………. lists”, you’re usually going to scratch your head wondering what were they thinking?! In N Out #1?!!! 🙄 Their burger is average at best and their fries are the worst I’ve had anywhere. No way that their burger is better than 5 Guys!…..or Sonic and Jack In The Box for that matter. The only thing I can think of is that In N Out burger fans are fanatically loyal, no matter how their burger tastes and how crappy their French fries are…..🙄
Last edited by Panhead John; November 22, 2025, 09:28 AM.
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Been to 16. Surprisingly the last time I went to Red Robin the burger was good. I swore off them years ago but decided to give them another shot. I didn’t realize Jack in the Box was still in business. Their burgers were terrible when I was a youngster. McDonald’s is only good for the McRib… Don’t all of you cheer that last statement at once please.
Red Robin does make a good burger! Give Jack In The Box another shot someday, most of their burgers are pretty good for fast food. And I love their greasy, whatever is inside of em, tacos!
I used to think the same thing about Jack in the box. Must have been true way back because I do like their burgers now.
Whopper was my go to when I was younger.
I'm with PJ, I don't get the fanaticism with In 'n Out. Talk about a nothing burger, pretty 'meh' in my opinion.
While on our ride back home from the airport after returning from Lafayette we swung by an In 'n Out for a quick bite (Rena likes them, I keep my mouth shut), but the parking lot was full and the line to the drive-up was a block long. We drove past and spied a Red Robin. I'd never eaten at one so we stopped in. The burger was pretty dang good and too big to finish. Good fries, as well.
On a side note to that, as we walked in there was a creepy old coot sitting at a table by the entrance. As Panhead John leered and remarked to Rena how beautiful she is, I put my arm around her waist, pulled her in close, smiled wryly and winked at him as we walked by. She seemed to enjoy both of our antics
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I’ve eaten at 14 out of 25, as far as best hard to say. Depends upon location, situation and when. Location is so important- two locations of the same chain 20 miles apart may have radically different results depending upon the management and employees. Whataburger is a prime example.
in my experience the Culver chain has had the best consistency across locations in different parts of the country.
I’m shocked that I’ve been to 14 of the 25 bc I rarely go out for burgers. There’s a pub 3 blocks away that has phenomenal burgers if I have a hankerin’ and don’t feel like making one at home. The only fast food burger that I hit with any regularity at all is Five Guys as they’re really pretty good and everywhere near me…but even that is maybe 4/5 times a year.
That said, if I’m on a road trip I’d eat any one of those except Sonic (possibly just terrible at the one near me) and White Castle- WC I literally have to be drunk to eat there.
John "JR"
Minnesota/ United States of America
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We ate there tonight. Out running errands and realized we were late enough that cooking dinner would’ve had us sitting down to eat after 8pm, and there was a Culver’s down the street.
Only my second time ever - never had one near me until we moved this summer - and the burger and fries were great.
Ah, top 10 commercial burgers. In N Out is overrated. It's a youth thing. My kids love In N Out.
But Jack in the Crack at #11.....please.
For me, FAT BURGER is #1. Have not been to one in probably 15 years, but when I was working down in El Segundo or up in Westwood Village (UCLA), Fat Burger was the best.
Islands had a good burger too. Thought they were out of business. Once got served by SheilaAnn. I think I stiffed her on the tip for lousy service. She kept going on and on about how her burger was better
There was a Fatburger near us for a while, but it didn't last, I really liked the burgers and the fries. They also had very good onion rings - a weakness of mine.
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